Apocalypse Star House Hoarding-Chapter 89

This earthquake was far stronger than the one a few months ago. Most people, still asleep, were jolted awake, and for those in less sturdy homes, it felt like the whole world was shaking.
For many in S City, their only experience with an earthquake was the one a few months prior, which had a much milder impact. This time, however, the intensity left people in a state of panic.
Some, trained in first aid, instructed their families to take shelter in the bathroom with the children, opened the front door to prevent it from jamming due to frame deformation, and finally grabbed a thick cushion from the sofa to shield their heads.
Someone on the second floor, thinking they were close enough to the ground, hastily jumped out of a window in their panic. Those in high-rise buildings had no choice but to huddle under sturdy tables with their families, hoping for the best.
Fortunately, although the quake was intense, it didn’t last long. Apart from some unstable self-built houses, brick houses, rental units, and greenhouses that collapsed, most homes only sustained damage to walls and ceilings, with household items knocked over and shattered glass strewn about.
Buildings with strong seismic resistance suffered only minor damage, and their residents were left with just a scare.
Yu Xi’s residential complex was one of these sturdier structures. Being a high-rise, it was built with a high seismic resistance, so the earthquake only caused minor shaking, displacing furniture and damaging some loose items and fixtures. The walls were mostly intact, and the double-glazed, even triple- or quadruple-layered windows had held up without breaking entirely.
Still, no one in the building dared to return to sleep. They wrapped themselves warmly and went outside to exchange news and check on each other. The villa residents, dressed in pajamas and even carrying bug spray, gathered anxiously on the open grounds, waiting for the shaking to stop. When they saw that only a few exterior wall tiles had fallen, they breathed a sigh of relief.
Some, ignoring security guards’ advice, returned home to fetch protective gear and tools, while others, too afraid to go back, made do with whatever they had. Everyone stayed in the open area, worried about the possibility of a second, stronger quake.
Only four security guards remained in the complex, all single men with nowhere else to go. One of them stayed in a villa where a former owner had been killed by poisonous butterflies, another, Xiao Dong, was living at Xu Yan’s home, and the other two lived separately in empty apartments in different towers to make it easier to assist in case of emergencies.
These four guards no longer expected wages. In a vote led by Xu Yan, it was decided to distribute the supplies left behind in the homes of those who had died from butterfly venom as payment for their continued service. Now, the guards took care of the complex’s trash, maintenance, cleaning, and pet feeding.
Initially, some residents objected to the guards receiving these supplies, especially those living next door. However, Xu Yan pointed out that if they didn’t want to share, they could either take a guard into their home and provide meals and shelter, or handle the complex’s daily maintenance themselves. After realizing they’d only get a package or two of instant noodles, the residents reluctantly allowed the guards to have the supplies, though they continued to boss them around.
After an earthquake, it’s normal for people to remain in open areas for a few hours to half a day. The high-rise residents, previously trapped in the buildings, took their protective gear, supplies, and some food, nervously making their way down to the open plaza via the stairwells.
Seeing how prepared the high-rise residents were, some villa residents also returned home to grab protective clothing and snacks, realizing they might have to stay outside for an extended period.
Fortunately, supermarkets had opened the day before, including a large one across the street. The entire complex had gone out to restock, and while shopping was restricted and chaotic, with people scrambling over items, each household managed to gather a fair amount of supplies.
Those who had been involved in the previous supermarket incidents were nervous, trembling when they saw the armed personnel. They knew they’d acted poorly, and even though the situation had been confusing and chaotic, they couldn’t help but feel guilty.
Despite knowing the rescue teams and police likely weren’t aware of what had happened within their complex, they were still fearful. They tried to comply with the shopping restrictions to avoid further trouble, taking only what was allowed and not drawing unnecessary attention.
Some residents, who usually had good relationships with others, called friends asking if they could help buy additional supplies. In the end, several friends of the residents sent supplies directly to the community.
Others reassured everyone not to worry, noting that while the large supermarkets had opened today, some wholesale markets, small shops, and convenience stores with stock were expected to open tomorrow. They reminded people to head out early to buy what they needed.
No one expected the earthquake to strike before the next day even arrived.
On the open grounds of the complex, over half of the residents had donned protective suits they had purchased after the giant insect incident. The residents here had money, and through various channels, they had all acquired some equipment.
Most of these protective suits were white, paired with 3M masks, leaving only their eyes exposed. Some residents even wore transparent safety goggles over their eyes, achieving full protective gear.
With so much to handle alongside the security team, Xu Yan didn’t notice that there was one household that hadn’t come downstairs or even set foot outside their door the entire time.
Yu Xi had woken up as soon as the earthquake began. She rose from her tent without needing to open the door of the Star House; just looking out the window, she could tell that S City was experiencing an earthquake.
During the last earthquake, she had felt it directly, but now, inside the Star House, the world outside was shaking, and with her sharp eyesight, she could even see the glass roof of a nearby farmers’ market a few roads away collapsing from the tremors.
When all the supermarkets across the city opened yesterday, she saw posts online about how things were much safer outside now. Though many plants had been burned, leaving bare patches and blackened burn marks or scattered yellow suppressant powder, the sight was somewhat reassuring.
As a result, many small businesses, like convenience stores, wholesalers, and food market stalls, had announced plans to open for business. Although these individuals hadn’t been short on supplies at home during the ten-plus days they’d stayed inside, they had been afraid of mutated plants and animals and thus had followed official guidance to remain indoors.
Now that the city’s situation seemed to improve, they were ready to resume business to both earn money and provide resources to those in need. But then—an earthquake!
The quake outside was much stronger than the last, but within the Star House, it was completely calm—no tremors, and even the noise outside barely reached inside. Only faint sounds from the entrance of the Star House, connected to their home, could be heard. Yu Feng and Fan Qi, however, could hear nothing.
Seeing how soundly her parents were sleeping, Yu Xi decided not to wake them for the time being.
After the earthquake stopped, she noticed that other residents seemed to be evacuating to the open area outside. Wary of aftershocks and knowing nowhere was as safe as the Star House, she chose to return to her tent and go back to sleep.
Thanks to the safety of the Star House, Yu Feng and Fan Qi only learned about the earthquake the next morning. After waking up and stepping out of the Star House, they found their daughter cleaning up some broken decorations and a fallen floor lamp.
By this time, other residents had already returned to their homes. As Yu Feng and Fan Qi turned on the TV and went online, they found the internet flooded with stories of damage and distress.
Worried about Old Master Yu’s well-being, Yu Feng immediately called him.
This time, Old Master Yu and Yu Hai’s family of four weren’t as fortunate. Their house hadn’t collapsed, but due to unauthorized modifications on the upstairs balcony, which had been renovated, the balcony collapsed during the earthquake, wrecking their yard and damaging the south-facing walls of their living room and bedroom.
Fortunately, everyone inside was unharmed. Yu Hai and his wife, sleeping in the large south-facing bedroom, were startled awake by the collapsing walls. They were now busy gathering useful belongings while arguing with the upstairs neighbors, demanding compensation for the damages.
“In times like this, money isn’t much help. With half of the wall collapsed, it won’t be easy to repair quickly. If there’s a draft at night, it could allow mutated creatures to enter. You should pack up and move to our place,” Yu Feng said, reiterating a plan he had previously discussed with Yu Xi. “There are empty apartments on the eighth, sixth, and third floors below us. I’ll speak to the security guards in a bit. Pack your belongings, especially important items and food, and come over as soon as possible.”
Yu Hai had a van—old but serviceable—large enough to fit five people plus their family’s supplies without much difficulty.
While Yu Feng was on the phone, Yu Xi patted Fan Qi’s shoulder reassuringly. “Don’t worry, I’ve already talked with Dad. We won’t mention the Star House or the supplies, but with Grandpa and them nearby, we can look after them, and if they really run out of food, we can spare a little. I know what I’m doing, don’t worry.”
Fan Qi, as long as Yu Feng didn’t mention the Star House and supplies, had no objections to the rest.
While Yu Feng and Yu Xi went downstairs to find Xu Yan and the security guards, things weren’t as smooth on Yu Hai’s end on the other side of the city.
The housing issue was complex. Yu Hai’s neighborhood, and the entire area, rarely had cases where unauthorized modifications from an upstairs unit caused damage to those below. This time, Yu’s family was an unfortunate exception.
After Yu Hai finished his call and began gathering belongings, Yang Huizhen went upstairs to argue with the neighbors. While she was still exchanging heated words, their daughter, Yu Meiming, had already called the emergency hotline, following the advice from the news.
Due to prior damages from mutated plants and animals, S City had reserved emergency housing options. Yu Meiming, clever as she was, mentioned that she was underage and lived in a household of five, including an elderly grandfather over 80 with impaired hearing and mobility. This quickly prompted officials to arrange housing for them.
They were offered a suite at a three-star hotel fifteen minutes away by car, with two bedrooms. The hotel would only provide lodging, water, and electricity for free. Food was not included, but they could use the kitchen at designated times, and they were responsible for cleaning.
Before moving in, however, a rescue team assisting with earthquake relief nearby would verify their situation. Only if confirmed would they receive the room; otherwise, the reservation would be canceled.
Upon hearing the hotel’s name, Yu Meiming was thrilled. She knew of it—it was a business hotel she often passed on her way to and from school, slightly more upscale than the average three-star.
She sent her brother, Yu Yingming, to call their mother, Yang Huizhen, back downstairs and shared the good news with Yu Hai and Grandpa Yu.
Grandpa Yu didn’t understand what a business hotel was, but he was relieved to have a safe place to stay rather than a damaged house open to drafts.
Yang Huizhen was also delighted. Unlike homes destroyed by mutated plants, their house wasn’t heavily damaged; most of their belongings were intact. Now, they only needed to pack clothes, daily necessities, and some food for five people to move.
Though cooking might be slightly inconvenient, the living conditions were still much better than at home, and free utilities were a big plus!
But their happiness was short-lived, as Yu Hai mentioned that he had already arranged for them to move to Yu Feng’s complex.
If it weren’t for the hotel offer, Yang Huizhen would have agreed without hesitation. But now, she was weighing her options. Although Yu Feng’s complex was high-end, it was an hour and a half away by car, whereas the hotel was only fifteen minutes away. She hesitated even more when she heard Yu Hai urging their kids to gather every bit of food and snacks carefully.
Yang Huizhen hadn’t planned to bring all their food to the hotel. Despite the missing wall, their courtyard and front door were intact. She intended to lock up essential items—especially heavier food supplies like rice, flour, and oil—in the two back bedrooms. Her plan was to use the hotel as a temporary refuge while overseeing repairs during the day. With similar living conditions, a 15-minute drive was undeniably more convenient than an hour and a half.
Was Yu Hai planning to leave and never come back?
However, Yu Hai clarified that he had no particular plan; he was just following his elder brother’s advice. His brother had arranged a place for them and told him to bring every bit of food without leaving anything behind.
Hearing this, Yang Huizhen instinctively wanted to protest, but before she could finish, Yu Hai, displeased, cut her off. He reminded her that last time, they had refused to let his brother’s family move in with them, which had already been somewhat ungracious. Now, his brother was helping them find a place without holding a grudge. If they turned down his goodwill again, what kind of relationship would they have left? Did she really want to cut off ties with his own brother?
Yang Huizhen, stunned by Yu Hai’s rare burst of anger, still couldn’t shake her discomfort. In frustration, she turned to her old friends in a group chat to vent. One of her friends, known for being well-informed and with a bit of money to spare, had a knack for knowing all the latest gossip.
Upon hearing Yang Huizhen’s concerns about bringing supplies, this friend immediately suggested something fishy might be going on—maybe they just wanted to take advantage of her family’s resources!
Then, when Yang Huizhen mentioned the name of Yu Feng’s complex, her friend became excited, claiming to know all about that place. She recounted that it was the same complex featured on the news about the deadly poison butterflies in the wisteria incident, where many people had died. A friend of her daughter’s husband knew someone who worked in the property management there.
Moreover, this wasn’t the first issue with supplies in that complex; even when fresh food supplies were supposed to be distributed, they edly hadn’t reached all residents.
Finally, she mentioned a rumor that might or might not be true—supposedly, there had been multiple deaths in the complex over disputes related to supermarket supplies, with no resolution since no one knew who was responsible. Even with the supermarkets reopening yesterday and everyone getting some supplies, the quantities were limited due to purchase restrictions, so who knew if her brother-in-law was eyeing their stash?
Yang Huizhen grew anxious. Their family had actually stored up quite a bit. Not only had they regularly received fresh food packages—often with extra portions due to having an elderly and a minor in the household—but they had also managed to buy more supplies yesterday with five sets of IDs. They now had enough food to last their family of five for at least two months.
Comparing the two options, if they really moved to Yu Feng’s complex, what if he started asking Yu Hai for supplies? Could Yu Hai refuse?
The thought of handing over her family’s supplies felt like a stab to her heart.
No way! She absolutely couldn’t let that happen!